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HACKENSACK, N.J. -- A gala benefit to raise funds to aid in the completion of the new Hackensack Performing Arts Center will take place on Friday, May 20 at 6 p.m. at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton.

The event is both fundraiser and a chance to acknowledge benefactors. It will be hosted by the City of Hackensack and the Main Street Business Alliance, the group in charge of the redevelopment district for the Hackensack downtown area.

“A Night of Fun, Friends, and Follies,” features singer/pianist Tony DeSare. Tickets are $125 per person or $350 per couple, which includes event entry and a theater seat permanently named in your honor.

The city is using a $1.5 million appropriation to renovate the former Masonic Hall at Atlantic and State streets in the heart of Hackensack’s soon-to-be-redeveloped downtown. With the help of the Alliance, Hackensack has been soliciting funds from the private sector to finish the project.

Construction is scheduled to start this summer and to be completed by early 2017. Renovations will include a 224-seat theater and stage, marquee, gallery space, dressing rooms, lobby, and concession stand. Some $750,000 in additional donations are needed to complete the audio/visual, sound systems, light, and other critical components.

“The arts are a vital component of any great downtown, and having this facility, which will be converted into a contemporary performing arts center is very exciting. We expect it will attract both new residents and businesses to our area,” said Jerome Lombardo, chairman of the Main Street Business Alliance and president of C.J. Lombardo, a real-estate management company. “With a good-sized venue for a variety of music, dance, theater, and other programming, Hackensack will increase its appeal as an interesting and fashionable destination for our existing community and for those who will relocate here.”

Names of all donors at the Foundation ($10,000-$100,000) and Corporate ($1,000-$5,000) levels will be announced and permanently displayed on the facility’s donor wall. In addition, the names of individuals who pledge $350 will be displayed on permanent bronze seat tags. All contributions are tax deductible.

To purchase tickets for this event please contact Patrice Foresman at 201-498-1690 or info@uppermain.org.